Recommend River Routes

All itineraries are a suggestion only, and will be altered to meet with your needs and wishes. We have itineraries for 6-1 day trips. However, 4 day and 3 day trips are the most popular for guided and freedom hire adventures.

Premium One Day Canoe TourTaumarunui to Ohinepane

This tour is designed for those who want to experience another of NZ's Great Walks. Strange as it may be yes this is a GREAT WALK, however you spend the day not hiking tramping or mountaineering but sitting on a seat with a wee bit of paddling, and if you are very lucky a small time swimming.

This is a unique way of spending time in another of New Zealand's wonderful National Parks . The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through the heart of it, rich with Maori and European history. Just like the early explorers, you will see and experience the NZ wilderness, wondering if you have taken a step back in time.

Adrift provides qualified, experienced and personable guides whose sole purpose is to ensure you have a safe, enjoyably and memorable adventure. There are many marvels and obstacles on the journey where our guides willingly offer their experience and anecdotes. Equally there are times where you are left to absorb the tranquillity and solitude.

We meet at our base in National Park Village by 9am get our gear sorted and leave by 9:30am, and drive 45 minutes to the start of our adventure on the Whanganui River at Cherry Grove in Taumarunui. We start Paddling by approximately10:30 am.

The total time we spend on the River is 4- 5 hours finishing at at Ohinepane after we have made a stop on the way for a much needed coffee at a spectacular cafe nested in amongst the native forest. Lunch any clothing needs all canoe and safety equipment and refreshments at the end is provided by Adrift. You will need to bring whatever clothing you have and 2 litres of water each.

We will talk you through this the night prior to discuss your individual needs and desires.

We arrive Back in National Park by 5.00pm

3-day Whakahoro to Pipiriki

Day 0: Arrive at National Park Village

Make contact with Adrift and pick-up your dry barrels.

Day 1: Whakahoro to John Coull Hut (Accommodation pick-up 8.00am)

This day involves a 6-hour paddle to John Coull Hut. We will be passing the Mangapapa and Ohauora campsites at 2 hrs and 4-hrs paddling, respectively. Just before the Ohauora Campsite is Tamateas Cave.

Day 2: John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae

Today we have a 5-hour paddle from John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae. Passing Mangawaiti and the Upper Mangapurua campsites at one and a half hour intervals. Just before the Mangapurua Campsite is the track up to the Bridge to Nowhere (1.5 hour return walk).

Day 3: Tieke Marae to Pipiriki

From Tieke, it is a four hour paddle to Pipiriki and at 2 pm we will be met by our transport which will take us back to National Park Village by 4.30 pm. But before that, where we will pass the Ngaporo Campsite, successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the infamous Autapu Rapid. WhoHa!